Vanderbilt's star offensive lineman, Brian Stamper, has been granted a fifth year of eligibility for the 2007 season by the NCAA, according to the Nashville City Paper.

Stamper, due to complications related to a nagging lower back injury, missed the final seven games of the 2006 season. An appeal was made by Vanderbilt to the Southeastern Conference to grant him a rare fifth year of eligibility, but that appeal was denied by the league.

However, after receiving the news from the SEC, VU then took their appeal to the NCAA. The institution granted the request based on the unique aspects of his injury and recovery.

Stamper was named preseason All-SEC prior to the start of the 2006 season. In 2005, Stamper started every game at offensive right tackle, and held the longest streak of starts in Vanderbilt football history prior to his injury.